Etsy: We Sift Through the Crap and Find Twelve Really Cool Gifts

As we circle the parking lots, wait in the never-ending lines, push through an ungodly amount of people, we might ask ourselves, "Why do we even have to give gifts for Christmas?" It's a fusion of several pre-Christmas winter traditions ranging from the Roman Saturnalia to the demanding poor in Colonial America, forcing richies to give them food and money.

Before the days of Nordy's and Toys R Us, people made gifts for each other. Creative types all over the world still are making unique and homemade gifts that are pretty darn amazing. Like, way better than knitted woolen socks or macaroni art (sorry, Son). We sifted through the crap on Etsy and handpicked some of the coolest music-themed items to gift.

Embroidered Hip Hop Lyrics

Etsy user amandajean

Oh, the irony! There's a few of these bad boys floating around Etsy with lyrics from Dead Prez (above), Grandmaster Flash andAfroman. Of course, they have a few from other genres, but what fun is that? Buy this pre-made because it's a hell of a lot easier than explaining to your grandma why you need her to embroider, "I love it when you call me Big Poppa." Re-purposed Vinyls

Etsy user EudorandPearl

Another reason we should save record stores. Vinyl is extremely versatile. Aside from, you know, playing music, records can be melted down and warped or cut into fun shapes. Etsy has a ton of re-worked vinyls such as clocks, jewelry, and purses.

Band shirts are probably the most common piece of music memorabilia out there. As such, there are probably ten zillion other people out there with the same Pearl Jam shirt as you. Set yourself apart from the crowd with a re-fashioned t-shirt of your favorite band. Etsy shop lexicomanic out of Hollywood has several beautiful reworked punk and classic rock shirts. Altoids Portable Amp

Etsy user hesslerk

Is this even possible? Thank the rock gods-- yes. This portable amp has a 10x gain with built-in speaker and headphone input. It also works as an MP3 player speaker. This bad boy runs on a 9-volt battery and can fit in your freaking pocket! The amp is available in multiple flavors and there's even a DIY Altoid amp kit.